The Telecommunications Palace in Madrid was built over the course of 12 years – from 1907 to 1919. Architects Joaquín Otamendi and Antonio Palacios designed this 40-meter building as the central office of Spain's postal, telegraph, and telephone service.
The majestic, luxurious palace is the result of a blend of several architectural styles, but specialists most often classify it as an example of modernism, or art nouveau. Another name for this architectural "cocktail" is "Neo-Churrigueresque".
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In 1993 the palace was included on the UNESCO cultural heritage list, in 2007 it became the headquarters of the city's mayor, and in 2011 it changed its name – now it is often called Cibeles Palace.
Alongside the administration, there is a cultural center with a recreation area, free internet, and exhibition halls whose displays tell the story of the city's life.
Of course, the officials' move into this historic building affected its interior decor – now, astonishing visitors, "Neo-Churrigueresque" is whimsically intertwined with high-tech.
Local residents often call the Communications Palace a "wedding cake" – for its colonnades and abundance of pointed towers. Another name is also heard among the locals – "Cathedral of Our Lady of the Post," given because of its distant resemblance to the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral.
